A Melbourne man who was Tasered on a Jetstar flight in Perth insists he has “done nothing wrong”, despite pleading guilty in court today.
The court heard the 30-year-old had been drinking in the terminal and had jumped two separate queues to board the aircraft.
The commonwealth prosecutor revealed Malou’s wife at the time wanted to move away from her husband as they were having an argument.
But while boarding Malou sat next to his partner, disobeying the orders of cabin crew and the captain who called in the AFP to remove the passenger.
AFP officers were required to deploy a Taser to restrain Malou and remove him from the aircraft after he refused to comply with the directions of airline staff.
He received minor injuries during the incident.
Shocked passengers filmed the heated confrontation that spiralled after an AFP officer deployed their Taser.
Read Related Also: Chinese authorities swoop on restaurant after dumpling challenge
AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch today defended the actions of the officers, saying that they have a “zero tolerance for anyone choosing to behave poorly on aircraft”.
“Our officers and airline workers are there to ensure everyone has a safe journey, it’s important for the public to treat everyone at the airport with respect,” he said.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable from any passenger, if the man had simply complied with the directions of airline staff and the police, the incident could have been avoided.”
Malou was fined $1500 and ordered to pay $264.30 in costs on the disorderly conduct charge. He was ordered to remain in custody in Perth until the fine is paid.
He has also been sentenced to a 12-month Commonwealth Conditional Release Order with an associated $2000 Bond.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
